Thoughts on an Aero Commander

[maxmwill]

I'm not sure if a civilian design would fit in, but earlier, I was able to shoot a few pics of an old and dear friend, a Rockwell Aero Commander 500B.
In my years in aviation(over 35 years in general aviation), the one type I always enjoyed working was the Aero Commander, especially the turboprop version, especially that one, because I always knew when one was landing because it howled like a fierce raptor that's being forced to stay on the ground(angry howling).

And every time I saw one, my first thought was that it would not look out of place with a planing hull and wingtip floats. Yes, to me, it was a secret flying boat forced to stay on land.

And will be a he'll of a little.

[Kerick]

I made a quick search to look at some pics and I agree, clearly a flying boat that never was. Sounds like a kitbash project coming on. Or hold until the next floaty thing or in the navy GB comes along!

[Aeroplanedriver]

The first ever turboprop I flew was a Turbo Commander 690.  I was a student pilot with about 35 hours at the time.  One of the most memorable flights of my life.  Cant wait to see this! 

[maxmwill]

Well, when I first saw it, I noticed that the prop tips didn't even reach the bottom of the fuselage. And I think there was a Testors kit of this long ago. Can't find it, or I mostemembered

[maxmwill]

Well, when I first saw it, I noticed that the prop tips didn't even reach the bottom of the fuselage. And I think there was a Testors kit of this long ago. Can't find it, or I misremembered

[apophenia]

... every time I saw one, my first thought was that it would not look out of place with a planing hull and wingtip floats...

There is an old adage: "Blatant concept theft is the sincerest form of flattery." At least, I think that's how the quote goes ...

Anyway, we all remember the old Sea Commander. Her props may have been overly prone to whacking waves but she sure was pretty!

[elmayerle]

With regard to kits of the Aero Commander, Aurora had one years ago.  I believe there are now kits available of one of the short, piston-powered versions in 1/72.  I've always thought an Aero Comander fuselage, particularly from one of the turbine-powered versions would be a perfect starting point for modelling the proposed but unbuilt version of the OV-10, it would even be kept within the Rockwell family.

[GTX_Admin]

Anyway, we all remember the old Sea Commander. Her props may have been overly prone to whacking waves but she sure was pretty!

 

[The Rat]

With regard to kits of the Aero Commander, Aurora had one years ago.

$165 - https://www.oldmodelkits.com/index.php?detail=40658&cat=Civil%20Aircraft&manu=Aurora&erl=Aurora-1-81-Aero-Commander-680-285

[GTX_Admin]

https://www.scalemates.com/search.php?fkSECTION%5B%5D=Kits&q=Aero+Commander